Start of Danique’s internship in St. Maarten Medical Center to study the influence of Saharan dust on respiratory diseases

Hello all! My name is Danique Huijbens, and I will be completing my research internship as well as my final clinical rotation for my medical studies within the RISE-climate study.

Research Focus: Saharan Dust and Respiratory Health

I will specifically focus on the impact of Saharan dust concentrations on the incidence and severity of respiratory diseases in children at the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).

Inspiration from Clinical Rotation in Ghana

I recently returned from my elective clinical rotation in Ghana, where I was fascinated by the differences in symptom presentation and disease patterns influenced by cultural and environmental factors.

Aiming to Improve Interventions and Prevention

I am therefore very excited about the opportunity to study one of these environmental factors in Sint Maarten, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Saharan dust, and ultimately contributing to the improvement of future interventions and prevention efforts.

I am looking forward to this adventure and hope to make a valuable contribution!